Sunroom

Birds that have recovered from injuries or matured sufficiently for limited flight are upgraded to a 100 sq. ft. Sunroom on the west side of the house, separated from personal living areas by a curtained double door. Large windows on three sides are lined on the inside with netting to prevent window strikes from the interior. With full-spectrum ceiling lights and an assortment of natural and artificial plants and shrubs, it offers an approximation to outdoors. Typically, birds are moved into the Sunroom within their habitats from the Acute Care Room; after a day or two of visual familiarity with the Sunroom, the habitat is opened, allowing birds to venture out into the larger space whenever they feel ready.

Chimney Swift fledglings impatient to be fed.

Flight Cage

Birds that need a larger exercise area than afforded by the Sunroom are housed outdoors in a 200 sq. ft. octagonal Flight Cage. In addition to supporting the roof, its central pillar serves as a visual obstacle that encourages birds to fly laps around the perimeter of the interior. Of the eight walls, four are open, three are solid, and one adjoins a foyer that prevents escapes via a double-door entry system. The cage is protected from predators by welded wire on the open sides and the bottom. All interior walls, whether solid or open, are lined with feather-friendly knotless netting. When the cage is occupied by Chimney Swifts, an artificial roosting chimney is affixed to the pillar, and the habitat is empty of other furnishings. Artificial trees, shrubs, and branches are added for other kinds of birds.

Chimney Swifts in the Flight Cage.